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John Carter - 8/10

Played some Metroid Prime Remake and just waiting for the official release of Metroid Prime 4 beyond. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Already did. But I'm not sure what I'd be looking forward to outside of maybe the Nintendo Switch 2 games and things like GTA 6 and a few others that I can't quite remember at the moment.

Given the chance, would you rather explore the crumbling temples of an ancient civilization - feeling the weight of history beneath your feet or roam a gleaming cityscape of futuristic architecture, marveling at tomorrow’s design innovations? What appeals more: deciphering age-old mysteries carved in stone, or imagining how human ingenuity could reshape skylines centuries from now?

Heading to the park for a picnic? Some flavor combos just scream “alfresco bliss.” Is it strawberry and goat cheese on crostini, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or a classic brie-and-apple baguette? What food pairing do you find ideal for enjoying on a blanket in the grass that's easy to pack, shareable, and bursting with flavor?

Sometimes a simple flavor pairing can transform a dish: think fresh basil with honey-drizzled burrata or a squeeze of lime over grilled peaches. What’s your go-to combination that you believe elevates almost any meal, from breakfast to dinner?

In an era where skills can become obsolete overnight, what’s your philosophy on lifelong learning? Do you view it as a mandatory career investment, a joyful pursuit of passion projects, or a balanced mix of both? How do you allocate time for structured courses versus self-directed exploration, and what resources like MOOCs, podcasts, workshops have made the biggest impact on your journey?

With technology accelerating and social norms constantly evolving, keeping an open mind can feel challenging. What personal practices help you stay receptive to new ideas, adapt to shifting landscapes, and avoid getting stuck in familiar perspectives? Do you have daily routines like mindful reading, intentional conversations, or structured “devil’s-advocate” debates that broaden your viewpoints?

The Nokia N-Gage dared to merge phone and handheld console back in 2003, with its side-slotted game cartridges and speaker grill design. How did the N-Gage shape your expectations for multifunctional gaming devices, and do you see its DNA in modern gaming phones or hybrid handhelds like the Steam Deck? What lessons whether good or bad did developers and manufacturers learn from its ambitious but flawed execution?

SNK’s Neo-Geo cabinets boasted bold neon artwork, large marquees, and a signature red-and-black color scheme that stood out on arcade floors. How did those design choices influence the broader aesthetics of ’90s arcades, both in machine art and venue layout? Do you see echoes of that style in Barcade-style bars, modern premium arcade spaces, or indie cabinet builders today?

The Neo-Geo AES controller featured an arcade-style six-button layout, hefty build, and responsive microswitches traits that felt unprecedented in home consoles. How did playing on that controller at home shape your perception of arcade authenticity, and did it influence how you approached other fighting or beat-’em-up games? Do you think modern fight sticks capture that same magic, or has something been lost in translation?

Sega’s arcade titles like Shinobi, OutRun, Daytona USA— were renowned for cutting-edge graphics and tight controls, while their home consoles like the Genesis, Saturn, Dreamcast offered more experimental and story-driven experiences. How do you compare the lasting impact of Sega’s arcade classics to their console library? Which do you think defined Sega’s brand identity more, and why?

Sega’s creative accessories from the Activator motion sensor to the Menacer light gun and Dreamcast VMU pushed peripheral design in bold directions. How did those innovations influence later gaming hardware, like motion controllers, memory-card displays, or in-game second screens? Which design elements do you still see echoing in modern consoles and peripherals, and which Sega ideas deserved more love?

With increasing scrutiny on sensitive or controversial content in games be it depictions of violence, historical atrocities, or mature themes should developers include in-game reminders, educational segments, or resource links to contextualize what players are seeing? Would brief historical notes, trigger warnings, or unlockable documentary clips enhance understanding without breaking immersion? Or would such additions feel preachy or gimmicky?

When you think of indie gaming’s evolution over the past decade, which single title stands out as the most influential? Maybe it inspired a wave of pixel-art platformers, popularized narrative choice systems, or proved that “walking sims” could be commercially viable. Was it Braid, Limbo, Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight, or something else? How did that game shape indie dev practices, genre expectations, or community support structures?

I love titles that break the mold whether through unusual controls, non-linear progression, or experimental UI. What’s your favorite game that challenges conventional design norms and still feels coherent and fun? Maybe it’s a first-person puzzler without any text, a rogue-like with no permanent death, or an exploration game that discards objectives entirely. How did these design risks pay off (or flop), and what takeaways do you have for creators looking to push boundaries?

Indie games often experiment with quirky, off-beat comedy whether it's breaking the fourth wall, absurd NPC banter, or playful visual gags. Which indie title’s comedic storytelling genuinely made you laugh or smile in a uniquely charming way? Was it the parody-filled dialogue of West of Loathing, the surreal jokes in Untitled Goose Game, or something even more niche? How did the humor serve the gameplay and world-building, and did it ever step on narrative toes?

Which indie game surprised you with those tiny narrative breadcrumbs that only reveal their significance after multiple playthroughs? I’m talking about a stray piece of dialogue, environmental detail, or minor NPC action that suddenly clicked into place later on. Titles like Outer Wilds, Return of the Obra Dinn, and Oxenfree come to mind. What specific hints kept you guessing, how did you piece together hidden lore, and which indie devs do this best?